How Wyandotte County's Electric Infrastructure Drives Future Development and Economic Growth

As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the demand for reliable, high-capacity electricity has never increased. From cloud computing and e-commerce to AI-driven analytics and real-time data processing, nearly every aspect of modern industry hinges on power availability and grid stability.

Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the race to attract hyperscale data centers. These centers are massive facilities that require uninterrupted energy to store and process the ever-expanding volume of digital information.

Wyandotte County stands at a pivotal moment. Communities that can deliver robust, scalable, and sustainable power solutions will lead the next wave of economic growth. Thanks to the proactive investments of the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Wyandotte County has a strong foundation in place and is ready to compete for and win in-demand high-tech developments that will help shape the region's economic future.

"There is an increased demand for technology-based development that we have not seen before based on the new ways that people shop, create content, and communicate with each other," said Greg Kindle, President of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council. “The amount of data being created, exchanged, and stored is growing exponentially, and we need to be prepared to meet that growing demand to capitalize on new opportunities.”

The Growing Demand for Electric Infrastructure

How we work, communicate, and conduct business has transformed dramatically in recent years. Data usage is skyrocketing as companies and consumers alike generate, exchange, and store vast amounts of digital information. This surge in demand has fueled a wave of technology-based developments, with data centers at the forefront.

People have come to expect that the power will be there when they turn on a switch. Everyone needs electricity to perform basic tasks; it is an integral part of life. People use electricity daily for lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and operating appliances, computers, electronics, machinery, and public transportation systems. Total U.S. electricity consumption in 2022 was about 4.07 trillion kWh, the highest amount recorded and 14 times greater than electricity use in 1950. And, every year the need for more electricity continues to increase

As digital operations expand, communities need to provide more than basic electricity; rather, they need high-quality, uninterrupted power capable of meeting the exacting standards of tech-driven businesses. Data centers, for instance, demand significant energy loads and prioritize partnerships with utility providers that can guarantee resilience, efficiency, and access to renewable energy sources.

For instance, a single ChatGPT query requires nearly 10 times as much electricity as a typical Google search. This difference highlights a larger trend: Data centers' power demands are skyrocketing as AI and other technology-based industries advance to provide a higher quality product for consumers.

BPU: A Utility Provider Prepared for the Future

Wyandotte County benefits from having a forward-thinking utility provider in the Board of Public Utilities. Recognizing shifting market dynamics, BPU has made strategic investments to strengthen its infrastructure, enhance energy reliability, and support economic growth. "We are fortunate to have a proactive utility partner in BPU," explained Kindle. 

Strengthening Infrastructure for Reliability

BPU is proactively upgrading substations and enhancing grid resilience to ensure reliable service. The utility also participates in national discussions on securing transformers and switchgear, helping Wyandotte County avoid potential electric-based supply chain challenges.

Regional Energy Coordination for Efficiency

As a Southwest Power Pool (SPP) member, BPU operates within a broad, interconnected network. This membership enhances power delivery efficiency and provides access to a diverse energy generation mix, benefiting businesses and residents.

Leading in Renewable Energy

With approximately 50% of its power generation sourced from renewables, BPU offers a significant advantage for companies prioritizing sustainability. This leadership in clean energy is desirable to tech firms and other industries with ambitious environmental goals.

Energy Market Expertise to Support Businesses

BPU's team understands the complexities of the energy market and works directly with companies considering Wyandotte County. Their expertise ensures that businesses, especially those in tech and advanced industries, receive the insights and services needed to establish and grow their operations.

Transmission vs. Distribution: Understanding Power Delivery

A strong electric grid consists of two main components: transmission and distribution. The transmission-level infrastructure consists of high-voltage power lines that bring electricity into the region, directly connecting substations and major industrial users to the power source.

On the other hand, distribution is the network of lower-voltage lines that deliver electricity to homes and smaller businesses. For large-scale projects like data centers, having a robust transmission infrastructure is crucial to meeting high-load energy demands.

BPU's active role in the Southwest Power Pool ensures that power can flow seamlessly across multiple transmission networks, providing reliability and cost-efficiency. This structured coordination strengthens Wyandotte County's ability to support new developments requiring significant energy capacity.

Private Sector Investments Strengthen the Grid

Developing and maintaining electric infrastructure is capital-intensive, and private sector investments are key in funding these improvements. As new businesses enter the market, they contribute to grid modernization and help distribute existing infrastructure costs across a broader customer base. This investment makes the system more financially sustainable and provides the unseen benefit of increasing user reliability and efficiency.

Data centers, in particular, offer substantial benefits to the existing customer base. Unlike residential and commercial customers, whose energy usage fluctuates throughout the day, data centers maintain a steady, predictable load. This consistency allows for optimized energy generation and transmission, reducing overall costs and increasing grid efficiency.

The Future of Energy: Beyond Traditional Power Generation

As energy demands continue to rise, communities must explore advanced solutions like battery energy storage systems (BESS) to complement traditional power generation. BESS technology provides flexibility, rapid response capabilities, and grid stabilization, ensuring that energy remains available even during peak demand periods.

While battery storage is still evolving, its role in enhancing grid resilience and integrating renewable energy sources will become increasingly important in the years ahead.

Wyandotte County's Competitive Edge

Wyandotte County's commitment to electric infrastructure investment and BPU's strategic energy initiatives position the region as a prime destination for technology-driven businesses. As interest grows in hyperscale data centers and other high-energy industries, the county's ability to provide reliable, scalable, and sustainable power will be a defining factor in its economic success.

Wyandotte Economic Development Council

Let Wyandotte Economic Development Council (WYEDC) help you and your business harness “The Power of the Dotte.” Our mission is to promote and strengthen Wyandotte County’s economy through innovative approaches to programs, partnerships, incentives, and leadership in industrial, residential, office, and retail markets. Contact us today and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!